The Power of Zen . . . to be Narrow-Minded?

Will Li alerts me to an interesting and recent remark by Lakers head coach and "Zen Master" Phil Jackson:

I think it's important that the players take their end of it, get out of the prison garb and the thuggery aspect of basketball that has come along with hip-hop music in the last seven or eight years. (Scoop Jackson, "Sacred Ignorance," ESPN, 11/3/2005).

So which NBA players wear "prison garb"? And how, specifically and empirically (i.e, not by popular yet unsubstantiated generalizations), does the "thuggery aspect of basketball" (however that is defined) actually correlate with "hip-hop music"?

And is this really the same "enlightened" Phil Jackson often described as deeply-philosophical and well-reasoned? Take a look at this glowing description from The Religion of Phil Jackson:

His approach emphasizes awareness, compassion and selfless team play to achieve victory. Jackson believes that the essence of teamwork is interconnectedness and selflessness in action. One of the most important characteristics of a leader, he concedes, is to listen without making judgments. In order to create a true team and build an acceptable level of trust, one must have intimacy and an open forum where every member can fully express his thoughts and feelings.

When viewed in conjunction with Jackson's remarks above, I guess this "open forum where every member can fully express his thoughts and feelings" exists so long as those thoughts and feelings don't pertain to hip-hop or other things that Phil Jackson doesn't like.

So Phil Jackson really is open-minded--in the sense that, if he agrees with what you say and do, then you should be able to say and do those things. Gotta love that kind of open-mindedness!

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If You Are Reading This. . .

. . .you have to post a comment at the bottom. (I want to see if anyone is actually reading this stuff.)

 

If you don't post a comment, you will have mucho bad luck. Your children will all turn out homosexual. Your crops will wither. And your livestock will be barren.

 

You've been warned.

 

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Mississippi College School of Law: New Website

I have been meaning to post this for some time: as many of you know, I teach at Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson. We have a brand new website. I hope you take a look, and learn more about our school, which also recently opened a dynamic, start-of-the art facility (with high-tech classrooms and an extraordinarily-nice student center -- it is really first class). We'll be celebrating our new campus with a ribbon cutting and building dedication on Thursday, December 1. Excellent times here in Jackson.

Now, if we could just get rid of the NBA's new age floor, I would be truly content . . .

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Theo Epstein Offered Lucrative Gambling Position in Costa Rica

It didn't take long for an "unemployed" Theo Epstein to attract interest on the job market. As we discussed on Monday, Epstein essentially quit as Red Sox general manager this week, after declining a 3-year contract extension worth $1.5 million a year. According to the Boston Herald, the Costa Rican-based Nine Online Sports Betting has offered Epstein a position that would pay him $2 million a year. (Scott Van Vorhis, "Gambling Site Makes Offer to Theo," Boston Herald, Nov. 3, 2005). In the position, Epstein would set odds for Major League games.

But the package includes more than mere mucho dinero. Indeed, Epstein would receive rather plush housing accommodations: a 6,000-square foot mansion in the mountains of Costa Rica, along with a "small army of maids and other help," as well as an assortment of on-site athletic facilities, including a soccer field and a tennis court.

At least based on the compensation, it seems hard to imagine a better setting for a single, 31-year old guy like Epstein--particularly given his recent high-stress, all-consuming, yet incredibly successful tenure as Red Sox GM. He really could walk away into the sunset, head held-high, having accomplished more than most will in their entire lives.

But is this merely a publicity stunt for Nine Online? Probably, particularly given that 1) Epstein has already been in contact with another MLB team about becoming its general manager (and if I were a gambler, I'd put my money on him becoming GM of the Washington Nationals by the end of next week) and 2) Epstein has expressed interest in eventually pursuing politics, and I think it is safe to assume that being a gambling jefé in Costa Rica probably wouldn't be great resume fodder for an aspiring U.S. Senator.

But who knows. $2 million a year + king-like treatment + a tropical paradise all to merely set odds for baseball games? That doesn't sound like such a bad gig, does it?

Update: Wes raises a great question in the comments:

This is an interesting proposition to say the least. However, given the stance MLB takes toward gambling, legal or otherwise, I find it hard to believe that he would be allowed to actaully set odds for an offshore gambling site for two years and then return to MLB in any capacity, especially as the general manager of a team. I wonder, if Epstein were to take this job, and then attempt a comeback to MLB in the future, would his return be met with heavy opposition from the powers that be? Wouldn't it be somewhat hypocritical to ban from the game those who place bets on the lines, and then allow participation by those who actually set them?

Terrific point. So maybe this isn't such a great opportunity for Epstein, unless he wants to walk away from the game for good. I know Larry Lucchino was tough to work for, but was he that tough?

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Three Dollars in the Mail

I got three dollars in the mail today from The State newspaper. I sent an email to complain about missing sections from the Sunday edition of the newspaper. They were prompt and courteous in getting to the bottom of it, and they refunded me 3 whole bucks. I wish the government did this type of thing.

 

I am finding that the squeaky wheel does indeed get the grease.

 

In other news, I am considering speaking before the Camden City Council about their possible proposal to ban tattoo parlors from our town. This is distinct from the county's efforts to do the same thing. It should be fun if I decide to go.

 

Also, I feel that I will be gainfully employed in the next week or so. Or it could be constipation. You can never tell with these things.

 

 

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Early Evening Audio/Video Links

New England Cable News has video links to Theo Epstein's farewell press conference from today (a must watch, especially once he starts answering questions), as well as to Red Sox owner John Henry's poignant remarks. For fan reaction (and even press conference play-by-play), check out this thread on Sons of Sam Horn. Interestingly, although not surprisingly, Larry Lucchino was not at Epstein's press conference.

Also, and thanks to University of Pennsylvania Law School student Rebecca Lacher, here is the working link to yesterday's BBC discussion on the NBA Dress Code and race. The discussion featured Greg, me, Colleen Hammond, and Sean Gonsalvez. The program is called "World Have Your Say," and our discussion occurs from minutes 38:27 to 47:54. The debate is very lively.

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A-Rod Gate? Yankees Warn Alex Rodriguez Against Partaking in Illegal Gambling Activities

In addition to slapping opposing players' arms and struggling in the playoffs, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez apparently has an affinity for illegal gambling. According to the New York Daily News, Rodriguez is frequenting illegal city poker clubs, where it is thought that those who bet on baseball may also frequent. (Jim Rich et. al, "Play-Rod's Bets Called," N.Y. Daily News, 11/2/2005). Rodriguez, who is the highest paid athlete in the world (10-year, $252 million contract), is apparently not breaking the law by gambling at these operations, as under New York law, only the actual operators face liability.

The nefarious behavior is especially abhorrent to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who is one of the strictest owners in pro sports. However, the Daily News quotes an unnamed Yankees executive who states that Rodriguez has not violated his contract's morals clause. Most moral clauses feature the following type of language (and thanks to Frascogna Courtney LLC in Jackson, Mississippi for this info):

The Player agrees to perform his services hereunder diligently and faithfully, to keep himself in first-class physical condition and to obey the Club's training rules, and pledges himself to the American public and to the Club to conform to high standards of personal conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship

I suspect if it is proved that Rodriguez is playing poker with those who also bet on baseball, the Yankees could more closely investigate the possibility of terminating his astronomical contract, or at least threatening to do so. Regularly mingling with those who bet on baseball may not "conform to high standards of personal conduct." It is also possible that Major League Baseball would intervene at that point, and threaten suspension. After the Pete Rose betting scandal, the MLB would seem to have little tolerance for those who associate with baseball bettors.

Regardless, A-Rod's gambling activities cast a poor light on a player seemingly obsessed with his image. One would think that A-Rod could get his gambling "fix" in his own clubhouse, as many players like to play cards. Or he could have poker games in his own home. But instead, he chooses to frequent illegal gambling operations, and associate with serious, hardened gamblers. Maybe he shouldn't have skipped college after-all!

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